Chapter Two and It's Meaning in the Great Gatsby

Summary: Chapter Two begins with vivid description of the train route between West Egg and New York. The chapter details the events that befall Nick and Tom as they adventure to George Wilson's garage. While their, the two encounter Tom's lover, and Wilson's wife, Myrtle. The three travel to New York City and take part in a party with Myrtle's sister and a couple by the name of McKee. However, Tom and Myrtle fight with each other and the party promptly breaks up. The chapter ends when Nick takes the four A.M. train back to his home in East Egg.

Chapter Quote: "I think he'd tanked up a good deal at luncheon, and his determination to have my company bordered on violence. The supercilious assumption was that on Sunday afternoon I had nothing better to do". This quote, taken from the early pages of chapter two, sheds a lot of light on the character and nature of Tom. Although it is difficult to accurately asses Tom's real nature and personality, the quotes and phrases that can be taken from chapter two do an excellent job in highlighting some of his worst qualities.

Character Role: Perhaps the best character to focus on during this segment of the novel would be Tom. It seems, at least at this early stage within the novel, that if there was to be an antagonist, Tom could easily play the part. Although he does take measure to provide for his family, one can see by the nature of his actions and affairs that he cares little for the emotional state of those he "loves". The reader can also witness the violent nature of Tom, as well as what may very well be an alcoholic condition. Tom also possess a good number of negative qualities that cannot yet be fully defined. However, despite the apparent negativity of his image, it is possible that he may yet posses some good qualities that can be uncovered by the reader in later chapters.